Derrick, winner of the BBC Devon Make it Happen Volunteer Award 2025
We’re proud to announce that our volunteer Derrick is the winner of the BBC Devon Make it Happen Volunteer Award. We’re so thankful for all his hard work as a volunteer alongside our team inside Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.
Derrick uses his life experience
Derrick uses his life experience in and out of prison to help others.
Everything changed when Derrick met our team
Derrick had been street homeless for many years. He had just done two prison sentences back-to-back. He was in the cells in the basement at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court. He saw the CASS+ poster and asked to speak to our team. We made him feel at ease and we spoke up for him in court. This is the moment when everything changed.
The judge wanted to help
Derrick could see that the judge and the CASS+ team wanted to help him. As a result, he spent a good few years attending a community day centre at Hamoaze House. With the right support, Derrick was able to turn his life around:
If I’d gone back to jail, I wouldn’t be sitting here now. I’m now 10 and a half years in recovery.
Volunteering has given Derrick a sense of purpose
Derrick’s sense of purpose is evident. On top of this, he really understands what people at court are going through because he’s been there himself. It’s a very intimidating environment, but Dereck is able to put people at ease and support them.
Volunteering’s the best thing I’ve ever done. It would be good to see others take the same path. It’s given me more purpose in life than I’ve ever had.
Beth Pearcey, Judge for the Volunteer Category
The judge for the Volunteer Category was Beth Pearsey, dancer, influencer and project organiser of the Help Support Foundation which builds hope and strength in underserved communities. As she announced the winner, she was visibly moved and very emotional:
There’s one person who’s really touched my heart. The way this person has turned their whole life around and taken their experience to help others is truly inspiring. You can tell that with the right support, time and love, you can really change your future for the better, no matter what you’ve gone through or no matter what your circumstance. I think it’s truly incredible.
Derrick was overcome
Derrick was overcome as he went forward to accept his award, declaring:
I’ve been turned around from the inside out. That’s all I can say.
Thanks to BBC Radio Devon
This was a wonderful occasion. Huge thanks to BBC Radio Devon for celebrating the many people in Devon who do so much good for their neighbourhoods. Derrick featured on BBC Spotlight and the Breakfast Show with Rick Edwards – listen on iPlayer.
Celebration of goodness, kindness and compassion
We are extremely proud to have been a part of this celebration of all the goodness, kindness and compassion in the world. Well done to all the finalists and winners.
Interested in volunteering?
Contact admin@cassplus.org to apply to volunteer with us in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Bodmin or Truro. We’d love to hear from you.